Daily Thoughts about God Posts

Ambassadors for Christ
Published April 27, 2024

Ambassadors for Christ

Please open your Bible and read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

When Paul says that “we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20a, NLT), that’s a scary thought, isn’t it? I don’t want people looking at ME! Can’t we just point to Jesus and leave me out of this?

One of my professors remarked that he once received an “Alumni of the Year” award from his alma mater. On one hand he was happy to receive such a prestigious award, but on the other hand, he couldn’t help but think: “Me? They think I’m a great guy? Maybe they should talk to my wife, she’d let them know that maybe I’m not as great as they think!”

Thankfully, the beauty of God’s grace is that we DON’T always get what we deserve!

Paul continues in his letter by saying “We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!”” (2 Corinthians 5:20b, NLT). Many people have never opened a Bible, know almost nothing about Jesus, and have never heard the Gospel. All they know about Christianity is what they observe about us Christians. Therefore, we must become effective ambassadors for Christ. An ambassador is an authorized representative, and we are called to be Christ’s representatives on Earth.

To be effective witnesses, and proper ambassadors for Christ, we must possess three qualities (among others): knowledge, wisdom and character. Knowledge is WHAT we know, wisdom is HOW to present that knowledge in a winsome fashion, and character is the way we live our lives. Let’s recommit today to work towards becoming effective ambassadors for God; a tall order, but one we will achieve with diligence and trust in a God who will accomplish many great things through us if we are open to His great works.

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6)

Question: What are the three main qualities needed to be God’s ambassador? Which of the three are you being called to focus on today?

by Darren Hewer
Used by Permission

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FURTHER READING

• We are Christ’s Ambassadors – by Katherine Kehler

• Ambassadors for Christ – by McKenna Vietti

• An Invitation to Adventure – by Allan Mitchell

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thoughts by Darren Hewer Thoughts by Men

How Bright is Your Light?
Published April 27, 2024

How Bright is Your Light?

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” Matthew 5.14-15 (NLT)

This past week I was having a discussion with a friend of mine and she told me about a satellite image that she had seen of our world. The picture was taken at night. Places in Europe were lit up like a Christmas tree but other places like China and North Korea were completely dark.

As my friend explained the picture she saw, I couldn’t help but wonder: if we were to take a spiritual satellite image of our world, where would the light and darkness be? Would the light be switched? Would North Korea be ablaze and America pitch dark?

How bright is my own light?

Is it glowing brightly enough for others to see? Or is it a dull radiance that is barely perceived?

I believe many of us know ABOUT God. We know about God like we know about our favorite actor, singer, or band member. We’ve prided ourselves on all the facts and statistics we know about God, we’ve loaded up on knowledge about Him through Bible studies, sermons and spiritual books but have neglected to develop an intimate, personal, knowing relationship with Him. We may spout verses, tell other people how they should live but neglect to live in obedience ourselves. We live self-centered, self-serving lives. And our light? It isn’t light at all – it’s really darkness.

Is our life just meaningless words or are we truly living what we say we believe? How bright is your light?

Lord, we need You. You have placed Your light in us at great personal cost to You. Don’t let me cheapen this great treasure. I want to get out of the way and let Your light shine so that others can see the truth. Amen.

Think of a part of your life that you have kept dim; maybe it’s the side of you that comes out at your child’s sporting events or when you take a night off with your friends, or even your workplace. Intentionally bring a little light into those places this week by using positive speech, unconditional love, and the name of Jesus!

By Kristi Huseby
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

•  Being Strong and Courageous – Jesse Goerzen’s Story  – At 17, when life was going great, Jesse was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This is his story.

•  God You’ve Been Working

•  Salvation Explained

thoughts by Kristi Huseby Thoughts by Women